Listen to Bernie and Nadine on BBC Radio Nottingham talking to Pip Watts about the Tuneless Choir. It starts at the 2hrs 13 minutes mark with a chat about school dinners followed by the choir conversation a couple of minutes later. Featuring Nadine singing Daydream Believer!

Launching a new choir for people who can’t sing on Thursday 14 January at All Hallow’s Church. Find out more here:

Tuneless Choir launches in West Bridgford

A Tuneless Choir is being set up in West Bridgford, for those would love to sing in a choir but feel they can’t carry a tune. It will be led by Bernie Bracha, Director of the Ruddington

Nadine Cooper (left) tries out a high note for Bernie Bracha, who will lead the Tuneless Choir.

and Lady Bay Community Choirs.

The Tuneless Choir was the idea of West Bridgford resident Nadine Cooper.

“The benefits of singing are well documented,” says Nadine. “It releases endorphins – the brain’s feel-good chemicals. And singing in a choir has been shown to have an even greater effect – it can reduce anxiety and depression, and increase life satisfaction.”

“When I was 11, our music teacher laid his hand on my arm and asked me to stop singing. He told me I was spoiling it for everyone else.”

“Ever since then I’ve tried to avoid singing in public. But I feel I’ve missed out on a great Tuneless Choir Press Releasedeal of pleasure. I considered myself tone deaf until I met Bernie and she told me that was very unlikely.”

“A small percentage of people are actually tone deaf,” adds Bernie. “But a lack of confidence and practice can mean a lot of others can’t sing in tune, which is known as being ‘tuneless’. Selecting the right songs and parts for someone’s voice can also make a great deal of difference.”

“I think we’re going to have a great deal of fun stomping through the songbook,” says Nadine. “We’ve agreed that if anyone gets too good at singing they’ll be asked to join one of Bernie’s other choirs. We want everyone to feel comfortable using their voice. This is about participation not performance!”